Discretion Required. Except as provided in §§A(2) and (3) of this regulation, the appropriate board shall determine, in its discretion, whether to grant a request for confidentiality. The appropriate board shall automatically grant a request made by the State on behalf of a victim or witness under Regulation .02D(2) of this chapter. Exceptions to Discretion. Board review shall not be required to designate as confidential the identifying information of the following: Participants in the program described in Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, §3-2403, Annotated Code of Maryland; or Participants in the program described in State Government Article, §7-303 Annotated Code of Maryland. Verification. The appropriate board shall: Consider the explanation provided; Review the documentation submitted; and Verify to the extent possible the veracity of the explanation. This verification may include: Requiring the applicant to appear in person; and Contacting an employer, the police, a court clerk, or social service agency. Any hearing held to consider a request for confidentiality shall be closed to the public. Confidentiality Pending Decision. Pending a decision on the application, the appropriate board shall take steps to assure that the records are not revealed to the public. If a request is made for access to a record for which an application for confidentiality has been made under this chapter, the appropriate board shall complete the application review process before granting or denying the request. In order to comply with deadlines under the Act, this application shall be: Given priority over all others pending under this chapter; and Acted on as promptly as possible.